Southern California -- this just in

Scott Sterling's cause of death determination deferred, coroner says

January 4, 2013 | 10:09
am

Coroner’s officials have conducted an autopsy on the body of Scott
Sterling, the 32-year-old son of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, but his cause of death is being deferred until toxicology tests are completed.

Those tests would likely not be available for weeks, said coroner's spokesman Ed
Winter.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials have said preliminary evidence
suggests Sterling died of a drug overdose, but they declined to elaborate, waiting for the coroner’s official determination of cause of death.

Officials said they didn't know what kind of drugs were involved nor whether Sterling was taking any prescription medications at the time of his
death. It was also unclear whether Sterling's diabetic condition--revealed by his family in a statement Wednesday--played a
role in his death.

Sterling was found dead in his apartment on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu late Tuesday. He had not been seen by
family and friends for at least two days, investigators said, adding there were no signs of foul play.

The Sterling family released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying Scott Sterling suffered from diabetes.

"Our son Scott has fought a long and valiant battle against Type 1
Diabetes," the statement read. "His death is a terrible tragedy, the
effects of which will be felt forever by our family and all those who knew and
loved him. We sincerely appreciate the warm outpouring of sympathy and support
from so many of our dear friends."

Despite being the son of one of the Southland's most famous real estate
moguls, Sterling kept a low profile. Few details about his personal life or
employment were available Wednesday.

Sterling was arrested in 1999 in Beverly Hills in connection with the
shooting of childhood friend Philip Scheid was never charged in the
case.